Another Joe, I thought. Another damned Joe.
"They steal them," Captain Bransten said abruptly.
"Steal what?" I asked.
"Cigarettes. I sometimes think the cigarette is one of the few things they like about Terran culture."
So Walsh had taken care of that angle too. He does have a peculiar habit, though. He has an affinity for Terran cigarettes. Cigarettes was the tip I should have given; not solars.
"All right," I said, "suppose we start at the beginning."
Captain Bransten opened his eyes wide. "Sir?" he asked.
"What's with all this Joe business? It may be a very original name but I think its popularity here is a little outstanding."
Captain Bransten began to chuckle softly. I personally didn't think it was so funny. I tossed him my withering Superior Officer's gaze and waited for his explanation.
"I hadn't realized this was your first time on Venus," he said.